Los Angeles — Frank Potenza, a former New York City police officer who turned to comedy as "Uncle Frank" on his nephew Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, died early Tuesday. He was 77.
A statement from ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" said Potenza was "beloved by his co-workers and considered an uncle to all."
"His kindness and humor will be missed by everyone he touched," the statement said. It did not include further details.
The show is on hiatus until Sept. 6, and ABC did not have any immediate information about an on-air tribute to Potenza.
The silver-haired Potenza had served as a police officer for two decades and as a private security guard before Kimmel asked him to join his fledgling show as a guard and cast member in 2003.
On "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" the uniformed Potenza was paired in comedy bits with Guillermo Rodriguez, a real-life parking lot security guard for the show.
A statement from ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" said Potenza was "beloved by his co-workers and considered an uncle to all."
"His kindness and humor will be missed by everyone he touched," the statement said. It did not include further details.
The show is on hiatus until Sept. 6, and ABC did not have any immediate information about an on-air tribute to Potenza.
The silver-haired Potenza had served as a police officer for two decades and as a private security guard before Kimmel asked him to join his fledgling show as a guard and cast member in 2003.
On "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" the uniformed Potenza was paired in comedy bits with Guillermo Rodriguez, a real-life parking lot security guard for the show.
- 8/23/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Frank Potenza, the former New York policeman known as “Uncle Frank” in his comedy appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, passed away today. He was 77.
Potenza was a Korean War veteran as well as a former NYPD officer and Las Vegas security guard. Called “Uncle Frank” on the show, Potenza was Kimmel’s real-life uncle; Kimmel asked Potenza to join his talk show as a security guard and on-air contributor when it began its run in 2003. Potenza moved to Los Angeles to participate in his nephew’s show.
“Uncle Frank” was best known for his appearances alongside other show staffers — most notably,...
Potenza was a Korean War veteran as well as a former NYPD officer and Las Vegas security guard. Called “Uncle Frank” on the show, Potenza was Kimmel’s real-life uncle; Kimmel asked Potenza to join his talk show as a security guard and on-air contributor when it began its run in 2003. Potenza moved to Los Angeles to participate in his nephew’s show.
“Uncle Frank” was best known for his appearances alongside other show staffers — most notably,...
- 8/23/2011
- by Ashley Fetters
- EW - Inside TV
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